DONALD JOHNSTONE FROM HORWICH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH MINOR IN BOLTON
In a case that has shocked the local community, 75-year-old Donald Johnstone of Corranstone Close, Horwich, was sentenced to six months in prison after admitting to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor.The incident came to light when paedophile hunters uncovered his activities, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings at Bolton Crown Court.
The court heard that the offending took place in October of the previous year.
Johnstone had been using a social media chat room, believing he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl.
However, the individual he was speaking to was actually an adult member of an organization called Justice 4 Kids, which monitors and reports online predators.
During the conversation, Johnstone quickly shifted the tone to explicit sexual content.
He obtained a mobile number from the individual and proceeded to send photographs of his genitals.
He also requested that she send him nude images of herself.
The conversation escalated further when Johnstone suggested they should meet in person for sexual activity, making repeated proposals for sexual encounters.
Once Justice 4 Kids alerted the police, authorities swiftly acted.
Johnstone was arrested on October 22, and during police questioning, he immediately admitted his guilt.
The court was informed that Johnstone, who has been married for many years, has no previous criminal convictions.
It was also revealed that most of the communication had taken place via the family computer, which was kept in the living room of his home.
In sentencing, Recorder Rowena Goode expressed her concerns about the nature of the communication.
She stated, “I accept that you did not target children — but you did not discriminate.
Had there been a child involved, the potential harm from this type of communication could have been significant, and that is what the court is here to protect children from.” As part of his punishment, Johnstone was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.
Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his access to the internet and prohibiting him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community organizations to combat online predatory behavior and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.
